Ali Krieger back with U.S. women’s national team

CHICAGO — Defender Ali Krieger is returning to the U.S. women’s team for the first time since tearing knee ligaments a year ago.

Krieger, a Dumfries, Va., native, is among 29 players selected Tuesday when Tom Sermanni announced his first roster since taking over as coach following Pia Sundhage’s resignation. The Americans will be preparing for exhibition games against Sermanni’s native Scotland on Feb. 9 in Jacksonville, Fla., and four days later in Nashville, Tenn.

Krieger tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in her right knee during an Olympic qualifier against the Dominican Republic on Jan. 19 last year.

Defender Amy LePeilbet, slowed by a knee injury, is the only player missing from the 18-woman Olympic team, which won the United States’ third straight gold medal.

Three Olympic team alternates were included — midfielder Lori Lindsey, goalkeeper Jill Loyden and forward Christen Press — along with six players who have not appeared for the national team: goalkeepers Jane Campbell and Ashlyn Harris; defender Crystal Dunn; midfielders Kristie Mewis and Keelin Winters; and Press.